U of I Athletic Director Mike Thomas announced he was dismissing head football coach Tim Beckman, following preliminary results of an external review into allegations about the football program.  Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit, who's been with the program since 2013, is taking over as interim head coach.

In the wake of allegations from a former U of I player, two Chicago Tribune reporters reached out to every other one during coach Tim Beckman's era at the school.  Of the 50 who responded, many alumni were critical, and current players came to Beckman's defense.

The request from the National College Players Association came in a letter Thursday to U of I Urbana Chancellor Phyllis Wise.

A University of Illinois spokesperson says they'll look into accusations by former Illini football player Simon Cvijanovic that coach Tim Beckman pressured him to play while injured, and that he he was misled about the extent of his injuries.

Offensive lineman Simon Cvijanovic wrote a series of Twitter posts Sunday accusing Beckman and some staff members of not offering proper treatment for a torn meniscus in his knee.   U of I Athletic Director Mike Thomas supported Beckman in a later statement.